There’s very little Savannahian Steve Green isn’t involved in these days. The current chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce could talk authoritatively about the Chamber, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the ports or the airport — he’s on all those boards and more.
But Wednesday, he opted to take off his usual hats and talk to a relatively young Savannah Downtown Business Association crowd about the importance of civic involvement.
“A recent study put Georgia in the top three states for non-engaged young people — especially Millenials,” Green told the group gathered at the Charles Morris Center for their September meeting.
“Of course, I realize that I’m preaching to the choir because you are here,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean it’s not your problem. Those of you who are engaged in your community probably know lots of people in your age group who aren’t. These are the people you can recruit to stand with you in making sure your community continues to thrive.”
Getting involved also means getting informed on issues that are important to the community, he said, and talking to people both pro and con.
“My father once told me that ‘If we agree on everything, then one of us is not necessary.’ Before you can sway someone to your side, you have to listen to their side and, hopefully, find some common ground.”
It’s also good to remember that engagement does not equal confrontation, Green cautioned.
“You rarely win a battle marching on City Hall shouting and carrying signs, especially if you haven’t gone to your representatives about your concerns beforehand,” he said.
“If you really want people to listen to what you have to say, whisper in their ears. Don’t shout at them from across the room. And know what you’re talking about.
“Unfortunately, there are plenty of uninformed, unqualified people making noise,” he said. “If you have done your research and you know what you’re talking about, your elected officials will take you seriously.”
Green also offered, at the DBA’s request, 10 projections for Savannah 10 years into the future.
“I’ll preface this by saying I’m going out on a limb with this wish list,” he said. “But I truly believe all of these things are achievable.”
1. Georgia Ports Authority will be the largest container port on the East Coast, the third largest in the country. “I am confident in this one. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if our port became the second largest and No. 1 in exports.”
2. Gulfstream will introduce the first supersonic business jet, growing its Savannah workforce to at least 12,000 and further solidifying its position as the world’s most technologically-advanced business jet manufacturer.
3. We will see the president, the governor and other officials break ground for a high-speed commuter rail connecting Atlanta and Savannah. “(Atlanta Mayor) Kasim Reed and I agree that, once we have the harbor deepening funded, this will become a priority.”
4. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will have welcomed its first — and second — low-cost carrier.
5. The enrollment at Savannah College of Art and Design will increase to 12,000.
6. Savannah’s “cultural tourism” will continue to blossom, with art, music and other offerings, becoming the Santa Fe of the South.
“Santa Fe, New Mexico has a population of 68,000, yet they are the third largest art market in the country,” he said. “There is no reason Savannah can’t be the same.”
7. Hutchinson Island will continue to grow, adding a convention hotel that will draw so many events to the Trade Center, the hotel will need to be expanded at the end of 10 years.
“When the trade center was built 18 years ago at a public cost close to $130 million, the intention was always to build a convention hotel on Hutchinson to support it,” Green said. “Nearly 20 years later, we’re still talking about it.”
8. The city and Historic Savannah will partner to replant and revamp our squares, using the expertise of internationally recognized horticulturist Vince Dooley, with Georgia Public Broadcasting doing a series on the renovations.
9. The next big economic boom for our area will be in entertainment — specifically films and video gaming.
“There is lots happening in this realm and it’s going to be very exciting and profitable for Savannah and the surrounding area,” he said.
10. With Trip Tollison at the helm of SEDA, look for at least three more aviation announcements in the next 10 years. “This will cement the Savannah area as an aerospace hub.”